April – the Month of Diamond
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The Diamond is a solid form of carbon and is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Our love for diamonds started in India, where they were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams. Traded as early as the fourth century BCE, diamonds were coveted by royalty and the wealthy. The first diamond engagement ring on record was given by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. Recent evidence supports the origin of the legendary 45.52 carat blue Hope diamond in India’s Golconda mining area and its sale to King Louis XIV of France (then known as the French Blue diamond) in 1668.
In the early 1700s, Brazil emerged as an important source. Diamonds were discovered on the banks of the Jequitinhonha River in Minas Gerais and Brazil dominated the diamond market for more than 150 years.
The discovery of diamonds near Kimberley, South Africa, in the late 1860s marked the beginning of the modern diamond market. De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited began mining in 1888, and by 1900 they controlled an estimated 90 percent of the world’s production of rough diamonds. The largest diamond ever found (3,106 ct/621 grams) was recovered from South Africa’s Premier #2 mine in 1905. The original rough diamond was broken down into several different stones, the largest and most famous being the pear shaped 530 ct Cullinan I diamond, known as the Great Star of Africa, which is now set in the British Royal Sceptre, and housed with the other Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.
By the early 21st century, Congo (Kinshasa) and Russia led the world in industrial diamond production. Industrial diamonds can be mined from natural deposits, or they can be produced synthetically. Their chief use is in the manufacture of abrasives and carbide metal-cutting tools, but they are also used as loose grains suspended in oil or water for lapping and polishing. Other major producers of industrial diamonds include Australia and Botswana.
Rock-coring drills, widely used in exploring for new mineral deposits, are made by mounting diamonds around the rim of a hollow metal drill crown. Other important applications include saws for cutting rock and other hard materials, lathes and other types of cutting tools, glass cutters, specialty needles, hardness testers, and wire-drawing dies.
Legend
An anonymous second century poet maintained that diamonds warded off the evil eye – a malevolent look believed to cause sickness, poverty and even death. The April birthstone was even believed to have healing powers. Over the centuries, diamonds were thought to be an antidote to poison and protection against the plague. Some claim that it is a boon for longevity, strength, beauty and happiness. In many parts of the world today, the diamond engagement ring has become a near-universal symbol of love and marriage.
The Diamond Birthstone
The birthstone representing April is diamond. The vast majority of diamonds are transparent, colorless, and show an extraordinary display of well-defined white and multi-colored flashes. Diamonds also occur in a rainbow of exciting colors.
Diamond is perhaps most famous for its superior durability. The gem gets its strength from a symmetrical atomic structure which is made from pure carbon. Diamond is difficult to damage, and, coupled with its fiery appearance, it is the most popular gemstone option for engagement rings. In fact, diamond jewelry of any kind can last so long that it is treasured by multiple generations.
Diamond Maintenance
Diamonds (10 on the Mohs hardness scale) are usually durable enough to be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. However, if the diamond has inclusions or has been treated, it is best to clean it with a lint-free cloth, or use warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush or a commercial jewelry cleaning solution. It’s also a good idea to have a professional jeweler examine the setting periodically to maintain its beauty and integrity over time.
In addition to being the birthstone for April, diamonds are traditionally presented as gifts to commemorate 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.
White Topaz and Quartz are also acceptable substitutes as April birthstones. The availability of topaz and quartz in a near-rainbow of colors makes them both fantastic, price-conscious alternatives to diamond.
Please visit the SFJS showroom to see our collection of diamond chip and Herkimer necklaces, CZ’s, quartz crystals, and cabochons.
